Motive of Your Heart

1. Read Matthew 6:1-4 together as a group. Unpack this text. What stands out as you read it?

2. This text is about our motives behind why we give. Think about the different areas of your walk with God (Bible reading, serving, prayer, giving, going to church, etc.). Answer honestly, why do you do what you do in each of those areas of your walk with God? Do you have the right motives? In what ways do your motives need to change?

3. Read Matthew 6:2 and 4 again. Jesus says here that “they have received their reward”. Discuss the difference between the earthy reward of peoples praise and the reward that our father gives us in secret. Why are we so drawn to the earthy praises of people over who rewards us in secret? In what ways do you find yourself seeking the reward that comes from man rather than what comes from God?

4. This passage of Scripture is specifically talking about financial giving. Many people have mistaken and gotten this idea “the church just wants my money” because they reject in their own heart that God has called them to give financially to meet needs. It’s all God's, but He’s allowed us to be stewards of it. Discuss giving for a few minutes. Do you find giving difficult in your own life? If so, why is that? How are you challenged by this passage in the area of giving?

5. There is a significantly greater blessing that comes from living our lives to honor God in what He’s called us to without the intent of anybody knowing what we’ve done. The flip side of that is that as people see our good works they will give glory to God. But what is most important is that my heart is right in why I’m doing (not to be seen, but to honor my father). In what ways do you need to check your heart tonight? How as a group can we hold you accountable?